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WOMEN’S ENGINEERING SOCIETY VOL 18 • NO 6 18 – • WINTER SPRING 2009 2013

~ the TwoWESWES WES on on members Women’s Women’s on Power Hour Hour List president’s ON 3 NOVEMBER President Jan message Peters. and Pip Ayton were inter- Jan Peters,appy New WES Year! I THE WOMAN’S HOUR list of the Shape the Future: Step up viewed on Women’s Hour on BBC Presidentwish you reports all the on 100 most powerful women in the H Radio 4. best year ever and UK was announced on 12 Febru- to the Challenge the latest The topic was women engi- hope you will achieve ary. Over the preceeding 3 developments neers and their work clothes. Pre- your goals and dreams. months Woman’s Hour listeners WES is organising a cross-net- diversity, teamwork and talent senter Jane Garvey asked Jan to We often make new year resolu- had been invited to nominate work event for women in STEM from across all the disciplines outline the problem and what WHATtions that A FANTASTIC are difficult autumn to achieve and and women who had the greatest in- and the built environment on 15 who are needed to deliver suc- WES was doing about this. whathard anto sustainamazing long range term. of engineer- My plans fluence and ability to change the December at the IET in Savoy cess. You can also buy your own Jan explained that there were ingfor this and year technical are to women deliver I achiev-have met way we live our lives today. An Place, London. Our partners in pair of WES safety boots. over 65,000 women working in en- inable the goals last three that months.will contribute The confer- to adjudicating panel chaired by this venture are Women and Registration commences at gineering, technology and con- encemembership speaker growth programme and raise was out- pro- former Sunday Express editor Manual Trades, the Association 18.00 and the presentations will struction, approximately 10% of standing,file working thanks in partnership in part to Maria with our de Eve Pollard assessed the recom- of Women in Property, Arup and start at 18.30. There will be a the workforce. Women were ex- Magalhaesmembers, friends and Emily and Spearman. other stake- mendations and took evidence the WISE Campaign and the buffet serving hot food, wine pected to wear the same protec- holders.Thanks At too present to Carol women Marsh engi- for from expert witnesses in different event is sponsored by the IET. and soft drinks. A registration tive clothing as men. Women makingneers are the a Doris precious Gray commodity event work areas. The expert witness on sci- Features of the evening will fee of £15.00 is requested as a were built differen tly from men soneeding well. This to be is nurtured an integral and part pro- of ence and engineering was Scot- be the presentation of the 2009 contribution towards the cost of and many were finding their ourmoted. student We hearstrategy from of our inspiring industrial and land’s chief scientific advisor WES Karen Burt Award and the the event and will include entry workwear unsatisfactory, and be- connectingpartners that women they cannot at the start get of Muffy Calder. Other panel mem- results of the safety clothing into a draw for great prizes. lieved that inappropriate and ill- theirenough careers. women We engineers are also working to fill bers were former Woman’s Hour survey. A keynote speaker will To register for the event con- fitting clothing could compromise withtheir the jobs. Engineering Gender parity Professors’ is still far editor Jill Burridge, Labour peer talk about managing a major ta ct event manager Tanvi on their work. Councilaway in onSTEM a report but about what is beingis in Oona King, crime writer Val Mc- engineer ing project and the [email protected]. Pip was introduced as a civil made. We need to put in some Dermid, journalist Dawn O’Porter engineer who often had to go out oomph and accelerate it. and Conservative MP Priti Patel. “ Next year sees us building on site to inspect bridges. Pip ex- WES student conferences “Engi- Top of the list was HM The clumsy and awkward – not as that it makes them feel aged 6 on our 90th anniversary with plained that as a slight woman neering Inspirations” are good ex- Queen followed by Home Secre- nimble as I usually am,” said Pip. wearing their dad’s suit,” said even the smallest size of overalls improvementsamples of accelerating to the growth. website, Last tary Teresa May and Ana Botin, “I try to hitch them up with a belt Jan. “This undermines their pro- were much too big for her. She year, over 100 female engineering chief executive officer of San- but then they tend to pull and tug fessionalism, self-confidence and development of the student described trying to scramble into students and early career engi- tander UK. At number 6 in the top as I bend over.” self-esteem. programme and a cradle so that she could be neers descended on Aston Univer- 20 was Professor Dame Sally Jan then told Jane about the “We would like to work with hoisted up to inspect the under- sity in Birminghampartnerships to celebrate” their Davies, chief medical officer for WES Workwear Survey and the fashion designers and manufac- side of bridges in too large over- G Top left: Dame Sue Ion; bottom left: Dame Ann Dowling ; success and share their enthusiasm England. Two other scientists responses that were being re- turers to produce comfortable, alls. top right: Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell; bottom right: Dr Anne Glover placefor their in universitieschosen careers. and to We define want to were in the top 20. Professor ceived. well-fitting and stylish workware,” “It always makes me feel WES’repeat next it this steps. year Members and the 5th have stu- Dame Nancy Rothwell, the first tion“Some at Dundee members University; have said Profes- Janco-founder concluded. of SpecSavers, and alsodent organised conference two will highly be even effective bigger. woman Vice Chancellor of the sor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Justine Roberts and Carrie Long- schoolsWe want outreach to grow events,your membership inspiring University of Manchester and who discovered the first radio ton, co-founders of the website overto show 200 the girls world and boys. we are here to professor of physiology, was No pulsar and Professorwomen Dame engineers.Mumsnet In (No 7). The site has stayThe and next going year to sees achieve us building great on 15 andM Dra Annerg Glover,are firstt chiefin IWendynd Hall,ia Dean ofIndia, the faculty she chose of Delhi,played a prominent role in Margaret in India ourthings. 90th We anniversary have the supportwith improve- of our scientific advisor to the European Physical and AppliedBangalore Sciences and at Thiru-national political debate and mentsindustrial to the sponsors website, who development can see the Commission,AS WES COUNCIL was No 19. and Australia,Southampton Mar- Universityvananthapuram. and one Sheleading is politicians take part in ofbenefits the student of being programme involved and in grow- part- memberAmongst Margaret the remaining 80,garet isof on the a mission world’s to leadingespecially computer interestedregular in webchats. nershipsing this young as well and asbeginning enthusiastic to tal- whoAjibode were notcontinues classified, her werepromote two scientists. engineering documenting best The average age of those on sellent andwork are boots following for women it up through with a WEStravels members courtesy – WES of the Patronas a profession,Twenty-five espe- of thepractices women were in organisa-the list was 53 – the youngest was ourresearch website. project Initially funded we have by RAEng just ProfessorWinston Dame Churchill Ann Fel- Dowling,cially amongin the women. business andtions finance that sec- recruit andthe singer Adele, who is aged 25. onefocusing supplier on what – Dunlop the young – who women has headlowship, of the an Engineering article ap- Depart-Her eyestor. come These alive included as promote Angela women engi-Three-quarters of those included respondedengineers have to our to clothing say. Watc survey h this in mentpeared at the in University the Indian of Cam-she s tartsAhrendts, talking about CEO of Burberryneers. and have children and about half greatspace. style. The We results are also of the working ’Voice ofon bridgemagazine and DameThe Hindu Sue Ioinn,n a her workNo and 9 in her top trip 20, and MoyaIn India, Greene, engineeringwere privatelywith women educated. engineers Only 7 regionalwomen engineering events with a students’ list of ap- will expertOctober on nuclear on her work. fuel manufac-to India.CEO Royal Mail atcontinues No 12. Former to enjoypercent a –across and none various in the levels top 20 provedbe launched speakers/trainers in March with and publica- ture andThe technologyarticle said: and chair ofThe Winstonengineer Ann Cairns,star president status among– were fromfrom ethnic several minorities. organisa- wouldtion oflove a poster. to hear from you if you the EUIt is Euratom difficult Science to have andChurchillInternational Fellowship Marketsyoung Master- people and tions in Technopark. canEnergy help to underpins organise a the company success to of Technologyan uninspiring Committee. moment enablesCard her to Worldwide, travel to appearedMargaret in is the especially UNESCO is working hostall human the event endeavours. – let us know! That’s why withThree Margaret other scientists Ajibode. wereother in- countries,List. Ann look was at the firstdelighted woman to who see the Speciallywith Margaret for on this WESDon’t bi-annual forget you conference can hear the(4 Octo- re- cluded.As a Winston Professor Churchill Sue Black,best a policiesqualified in organi- to work offshorehigh number in the of women mission and will re- students ...see sultsber 2013) of the has survey a theme on 15 “Harnessing December leadingFellow forensic travelling anthropologist to sations aroundoil technology the industry.engineers in Kerala. lease her findings after atthe the Energy” IET for and ourlast willcelebratory showcase India, the United States world andOther interact notable with entrepreneursShe has been meetingpage 4 and the director of the Centre for February 2010. event of 2009, connecting and in- included are Dame Mary Perkins, careers of women working in the Anatomy and Human Identifica- spiring technical.....continues women. on page 2 WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:25 Page 2

2 thewomanengineer – spring2013 www.wes.org.uk

Inside Successful role models – more needed this issue t was perhaps disappointing that only two practis- Years 10-12 to show them that it is possible to have an ing engineers appeared on the Woman’s Hour interesting and fun career in engineering. Julia be- JLR programme to Power List – although encouraging that both were lieves that we need more role models of women who 3 encourage girls to follow I engineering careers WES members. It was interesting to learn that this are enjoying successful engineering careers and country’s chief medical office and the chief scientic combining this with raising a family. Jo Parker leads an award advisor to the EC were both women. A quarter of An exciting new development is the advertising of winning project 3 those on the list worked in business and finance, in- jobs on the WES website. If you already haven’t done Busy times for Green cluding chief executive officers of some high profile so, go on-line and investigate. Recently there have 4 Councillor Nina Baker companies. Women are slowly getting there. been some interesting discussions in the WES group Specially for Students Woman’s Hour has been promoting women in sci- on LinkedIn. Do sign up and find out what is going 4 ence and technology recently. Katie Perry of the on. Daphne Jackson Trust appeared on a programme in Finally we urgently need new members for the Interview with Julia February explaining how the Trust helped women to WES Editorial Board. If you are interested in helping Humpidge of Aker Solutions 5 return to careers in science and engineering. An- to advise and guide WES publications and the web- Young Woman Engineer of other welcome advance has been WES company site, do contact me on 6 the Year award winners member Jaguar Land Rover’s course, developed in [email protected]. Great growth in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College, 7 apprenticeships to encourage more young women to consider work- ing in engineering. Pat New Engineer Council Pat Battams – editor 8 executive Caroline Aker Solution’s head of engineering, Julia Sudworth Humpidge, has also committed her company to I Next issue contribution deadline: 10 May 2013 develop a work experience programme for girls in 9 2012 WISE award winners the News – engineering and president’s Regional events are important tribute to current government is- employment issues of 10 because they bring people who sues –the latest is a WES re- interest message cont..... share the same interest together sponse to BIS inquiry into Women WES news – news of WES for great networking with other in Work last December. 11 members energy industry as well as pro- professional institutions, influen- We are forging partnerships vide insight into new technical tial groups and industrial repre- with other women’s networks, in- New members 11 developments in the field. sentatives. We need to bring WES dustrial companies, such as Air- Energy is also something WES to all communitie s. We have bus and BT to name just a few Diary members have in abundance many great events ongoing,such recent ones, and other organisa- 11 and the proof of this is the as a presentation by Haifa tions with similar aims, such as tremendous amount of voluntary Green news Takruri OBE MWES to the coun- WISE. 12 work being carried out by them. cillors and EU partners on an EU I am calling on all members You must have noticed the WES funded Leonardo Project at and friends of WES to invite oth- INWES – latest website is now buzzing with Tameside College. This project ers – individuals and companies - developments 12 news items, new pages have shares good practice and ad- to join us in promoting our aims been added on, someone re- dresses barriers to the low num- of inspiring girls and women into cently commented that it was ber of young people, and women engineering, encouraging and very fresh and full of changing in particular, taking up STEM supporting them throughout their content. It is. Yes it is very much subjects. If you know of events in careers and finally celebrating alive! To give it even more buzz your area that WES could take their achievements. we need to know what you are part in, do tell us about them. WES advises employers on all doing on WES’ behalf. Do WES is working in collabora- recruitment, retention and shout about it and send your tion with many organisations and advancement of women engi- news items about your activities, supports other charitable events, neers and scientists, so company large or small, to the office so such as Oxfam’s ‘Get Together’ membership can be especially we can show the world how campaign. We are involved in beneficial. good we are and how much partnerships and research appli- Join us and have a great year. ‘stuff’ is going on. cations for various projects such as STEM GEAR EU. We con- Milada Williams

All correspondence Tel: 01438 765506 The Woman Engineer is Subscripti ons: the journal is £30pa. Sterling cheques or regarding membership and e-mail: [email protected] published by the Women’s available to non WES bank drafts should be made the work of the WES should www.wes.org.uk Engineering Society. It is members in the UK at a payable to: Women’s celebrating 90 years 1919-2009 be addressed to: The Woman Engineer distributed free of charge to subscription price of £25pa Engineering Society. All items members of the Society and (inc postage). Please send for inclusion in The Woman The Women’s Engineering The Secretary Editor: Pat Battams to selected professional subscription orders to WES. Engineer should be sent to the Society is a charity Women’s Engineering e-mail: [email protected] women engineers, scientists Cheques should be made Editor at the same address. registered with the Charity Society Editorial Board: Ekpedeme and women undergraduates. payable to: Women’s Commission No. 1008913 and c/o IET Akpanudoh, Sonya Chan, The views expressed in this Engineering Society. a company limited by Michael Faraday House Jacky Crook, Roseni Printed by: A Local Printer, journal are not necessarily guarantee registered in Six Hills Way Dearden, Petra Gratton, Robell Way, Storrington, Overseas subscriptions: the views of the Society. England No. 162096. STEVENAGE SG1 2AY Dianne Patterson Pulborough RH20 3DN price by surface mail is © The Woman Engineer 2013 WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:25 Page 3

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JaguarJaguar LandLand RoverRover offersoffers girlsgirls aa uniqueunique glimpseglimpse intointo engineeringengineering

JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) offers female stu- JLR, a WES corporate sponsor, provides a them to make the dents interested in engineering, technology week-long programme of events at their man- right subject and manufacturing careers, a unique insight ufacturing, design and engineering sites in choices at into the world of work at the UK’s largest lux- Gaydon, Whitley, Solihull and Castle GCSE-level and ury automotive manufacturer. The ‘Inspiring Bromwich. Participants meet female appren- beyond. The Tomorrow’s Engineers: Young Women in the tices, graduates, engineers and managers to ‘Young Women Know’ course has been developed in partner- find out about their education and career his- In The Know’ ship with Birmingham Metropolitan College to tories and will spend a day on work experi- course has been change outdated perceptions of engineering ence at the Solihull plant. They also find out developed to encourage female students to and to encourage more young women to fol- about Jaguar Land Rover’s apprentice and consider engineering careers and we hope low engineering and manufactur ing careers. graduate schemes and participate in work- some o f the students on the course today will shops on job join Jaguar Land Rover as engineers in the applications, future.” assessment Danella Bagnall, project planning and inte- centres and gration director at JLR, who joined the com- interview tech- pany 25 years ago as an apprentice added: niques. “It is a very exciting time to join our business. Bob Joyce, We are investing more than £2 billion a year JLR engineering in research and development and we need director, said: talented young people to deliver new tech- “We offer a nologies, new applications, new approaches wide range of and new ideas. I would thoroughly recom- education pro- mend a career in engineering to girls and grammes with hope this programme inspires lots more the aim of get- women to become engineers.” ting young peo- The ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers: ple excited Young Women in the Know’ course is part of about engineer- the ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers’ educa- ing and cru- tion programme which Jaguar Land Rover cially, to runs across the UK to promote STEM subjects encourage and engineering careers.

WES member leads award-winning project The VISTA project, supported by directly from individual sented at the Houses of Parliament on 20 £0.9 million funding from the Tech- organisations’ Geo- November. nology Strategy Board and led by graphical Information A demonstration is available: project manager Jo Parker on be- Systems (GIS) and trans- www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncK0nsDo_gQ. half of UK Water Industry Re- forms it into a common search, has developed a prototype format, enabling com- New company member system to deliver integrated utility plete information of all information from any electronic records in an area to be WES welcomes new member DP World data base. This is a real challenge delivered to a user within London Gateway one of the UK’s largest considering the large number of seconds. It means, for job creation projects. utilities and variety of data record- example, that with the London Gateway will be the UK’s first ing practices. Initial trials proved aid of a hand-held 21st Century major deep-sea container highly successful; it was therefore device or laptop, anyone port and Europe’s largest logistics park. decided to proceed with imple- needing to dig in a road The development is the most significant mentation across the whole of G Jo Parker talks about VISTA can access the records UK port development for 20 years. Situ- Scotland. The Scottish VAULT went on site and instantly see ated on the north bank of the River Thames live in March 2012. what pipes and cables are likely to be Estuary in Essex, just 25 miles from central Until VAULT was launched, those requiring encountered, providing significant safety ben- London, London Gateway will provide un- access to utility records of buried apparatus, efits when excavating. rivalled deep-sea shipping access for the such as pipes/cables etc, in order to plan or The Scottish VAULT was short-listed for two world’s leading businesses to the largest perform street works had to contact all organ- areas under the IET Innovation awards, the IT consumer markets in the UK. isations owning apparatus in an area of inter- award and the built environment award and For the latest job opportunities at Lon- est, a process. This could take a week and won the Built Environment Award which was don Gateway visit frequently longer due to the manual systems presented at the awards dinner in London on www.londongateway.com/aboutus/community involved. 22 November. It also won the National Joint -and-employment/careers or see the Jobs In a world first, VAULT takes the information Utilities Group ‘Avoiding Damage’ award pre- page on the WES website. WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:26 Page 4

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Nina joined Peter Hughes, the retiring chief of Scottish Engineering and his replacement, Bryan Buchan, for an intensive selection process to identify 10 winners from across all the age groups 7-12 years. Married with two adult children, she has re- cently been elected to the Glasgow City Council as a member of the Greens and takes a particular interest in governance, recycling and food issues. She is councillor in the multimember ward of Anderston and City in Glasgow. She is a bailie, helping the Lord Provost with civic duties, and sits on the licensing board and planning committee. She also takes a particular interest in the River Clyde and those who use it. G Nina (2nd on left) with fellow Glasgow Green councillors Nina says “Fly tipping of bulk refuse and misuse of domestic bin areas continues to be a big problem across the ward. Much of it is Busy times for Councillor Nina associated with badly run private rented flats, where the landlord takes no interest in the DR NINA BAKER has had a varied career as a children in Scotland and challenges them to responsibilities that come with the income he merchant navy deck officer, research engi- draw or write what they would do if they could receives. I will always follow up any com- neer and now as a part-time university admin- be an engineer in Scotland. They start out by plaints made to me and will generally visit the istrator. either interviewing a practicing engineer or location and take photos, so that I can get WES member Nina Baker is also very in- by looking at the engineering ‘heroes’ on the council officials on the case effectively. If it we volved in the lively activities of the West of recently established Scottish Engineering Hall can identify who did the dumping, they can be Scotland circle. As such she was invited to of Fame website. These are to inspire the chil- charged for the costs of the clearing up. A re- represent WES on the judging panel of the dren for their ideas for their designs. Hun- peat offender who is also a landlord can lose Scottish Engineering Primary Special Leaders dreds of designs were submitted as drawings their licence and their right to make money Award. This is a scheme aimed at primary with a brief written description. from other people’s misery.”

Students set to benefit from new Specially for engineering scholarships

Engineering students who get with skills shortages to fill the jobs three grade ‘A’s at A Level, or available. The IET wants to Students equivalent qualifications, are now encourage young people to study eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 engineering and technology and per year. go on to pursue careers in these The new Diamond Jubilee sectors. Job prospects in these Scholarships initiative from the sectors continue to look strong, Connecting student Shout out to sixth Institution of Engineering and with companies continually groups formers Technology (IET) will reward seeking talented graduate students who achieve three grade engineers and scientists, as well If you have some words of Our student group affiliate packs ‘A’s at A Level, or three ‘A’ grade as technicians and apprentices.” advice for the next cohort of are nearly ready. Join up to help Advanced Highers, or five ‘A’ The IET’s 2012 Skills and women students then shout back give your group sustainability, grade Highers, and who start an Demand in Industry Survey shows at us. including opportunities to run IET accredited engineering or that, for the first time since the We are doing PHONE INTER- shared events and lectures and technology degree course this recession, companies are more VIEWS and an on-line survey to be part of something bigger. autumn. They will be entitled to confident in expanding their collect your thoughts and experi- an annual scholarship of £1,000 engineering workforce. You need two student WES ences and shape them into a for up to four years. Starting salaries for graduate members and a member of staff poster. One lucky participant will The IET launched the Diamond engineers and technicians are as a champion. We can help you get a free place at the 2013 con- Scholarships initiative to amongst the highest of all find speakers and sponsors. ference. Sign up link at the end encourage bright young students graduate salaries, but there still Your group members can be in of the survey. to consider studying engineering remains a national shortage of science, technology, engineer- Jan Peters is doing the phone and technology, and to go on to engineers. This new scholarship ing, maths or computing. interviews so call, leave a mes- enjoy very rewarding and initiative is one of the many ways sage or text now to book a slot. We are also looking for volun- challenging careers. the IET is helping to address that 07974011278 teers to help set up the new area Prof Andy Hopper, IET shortage. on the WES website. Just get in President, said: “Engineering and Students can apply for the 2013 Student Conference touch. [email protected]. technology are thriving in the UK scholarships by visiting 15-16 November, Aston University but there is a very real problem www.theiet.org/diamond. WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:26 Page 5

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the people here believe, as I do, that work should be interesting and fun – and that peo- ple should be respected as individuals. “I have the full backing of senior manage- ment. We have 170 people in the Engineering Department now and are looking to increase the London office employees by 1,500 as proj- ects develop, both in the North Sea and beyond. “Currently we have 10 women engineers in the disciplines and a couple more in project engineering roles, and me, so a grand total of 13 women engineers. We definitely need to up the ratio in oil and gas across the board.” G Julia Humpidge shows Julia has not experienced any prejudice it is possible to combine against her as a woman and has only felt un- motherhood with a top comfortable on rare occasions. management career “In the breakout room at the refinery in Switzerland there were photos of naked Julia Humpidge is head of engineering for mistreated. A big part of my job was educa- women on the walls. I asked them to take Aker Solutions and manages a team of 170. tion and communication.” them down and they did so.” She joined Aker Solutions in May 2012 when Julia recalls an occasion when she arrived One long term aim that she is committed to they opened their UK HQ in Chiswick, Lon- in Sicily to face a board of 24 Italian men, all is to try and encourage more young girls to don. Aker Solutions provides oilfield products, immaculately turned out whilst she was in her become engineers. systems and services for the oil and gas in- working clothes. “We want to get a proper work experience dustry world-wide. The company started as a “They understood the problem but small workshop in Oslo more than 170 years couldn’t communicate with their en- ago. Today it has operations in 30 countries. gineering team who needed to solve “It was life-shaping to Five of the 12 directors of the main board are the problem. have such experiences women and include Anne Drinkwater from “It was amazing and life-shaping the UK. to have experiences like this so early so early in my career .” Julia trained as chemical engineer at on in my career.” Nottingham University. After two years, Julia moved onto Tamoil in programme going for Years 10-12 in local “I became a chemical engineer more by Switzerland where she met her husband and schools to show them that engineering can be luck than grand design,” she explained. “I had two daughters. She found that maternity life-changing and exciting. went to a girls’ school where the only career and childcare arrangements in Switzerland “We operated a scheme in my last work- choice offered to girls who were good at sci- were not good. place with a local girls’ school. After a week ence was to become a doctor. My father was “Statutory maternity leave was 6 weeks un- 70% of the girls were keen on engineering. an engineer and a family friend who greatly paid. Fortunately my employer gave me 8 “It’s vital that we all do something to raise enjoyed his job and earned the most was a weeks on full pay, then I took 3 months unpaid the profile of engineering. Faced with present chemical engineer.” leave. I was only the second person at the re- skill shortages if we don’t do something soon Her first job was with an oil and gas con- finery to have taken maternity leave.” we won’t have anywhere near enough engi- tractor for 18 months and then she left with a Switzerland is culturally still very traditional neers.” desire to be on site. and not many professional women chose to She recently went with her eldest daughter “After university, I went travelling to Aus- work when they have children. However, Julia to see the school careers advisor. Although tralia. Upon my return I went to a job fair negotiated with her employer to work 32 her daughter was good at maths and science, where I met company representatives from hours a week and managed with a mix of engineering was not mentioned as a potential the oil and gas industry including M W Kel- childminders, nurseries and au pairs. career until Julia raised it. logg, who offered me a job.” “My mother was a life-saver and flew over “Nothing seems to have changed since I She has never regretted her choice. whenever there was a crisis. I don’t know how was at school. We somehow need to get into “The oil and gas industry has proved to be I would have managed without her.” schools before children make their GCSE the most interesting and challenging of indus- In 2002, after 10 years in Switzerland, Julia choices.” tries - and continues to be so.” returned to the UK to work for M W Kellogg as Julia believes that she has reached the After 18 months, she moved onto a job with project manager. She was excited to join Aker point in her career where she would like to do UOP where she spent most of her time travel- Solutions in 2012 as she enjoyed the chal- a bit more to change things. ling to oil refineries throughout the world act- lenge of setting up a new office and team. “Engineering has a bad press in the UK. ing as a troubleshooter. “If you join an established organisation, We need to show girls that it is possible to “My speciality was isomerisation units that you can only make minor changes, but here have a rewarding career as an engineer and increase the octane in naphtha to replace the starting from scratch you can build up the raise a family. We need role models, across lead in petrol. These units use a platinum cat- organisation as you want it to be. all engineering disciplines, who are seen as alyst that is expensive and quite easy to kill if “I was attracted to Aker Solutions because ‘normal people.” WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:26 Page 6

6 thewomanengineer – spring2013 www.wes.org.uk CharlotteCharlotte winswins WESWES awardaward THE IET YOUNG WOMAN ENGINEER OF THE “Receiving the YEAR Awards were presented by TV sports WES award is com- personality, Gabby Logan, at IET London: pletely overwhelm- Savoy Place on 6 December. The winner of ing, being the WES prize* was Charlotte Tingley. recognised by WES, Charlotte joined BAE Systems in 2006 as an the IET and BAE Sys- advanced technical apprentice after finishing tems for my contri- her GCSEs. She completed a three year ap- bution to the prenticeship gaining experience and qualifi- engineering industry cations in the aerospace engineering is fantastic.” industry. Durin g her apprenticeship she was a Outside work finalist for the BAE Systems Apprentice of the Charlotte likes to vol- Year 2010 and won the Category for Commu- unteer and give nity Achievement. back something to Charlotte first became interested in engi- those less fortunate. neering when she took part in ‘Take your son She spent 12 weeks or daughter to work day’ at her father’s work. on a remote island in My father is a training provider of electrical Fiji last October, in- installations. At the time I was 14 and hadn’t volved in a marine really been exposed to the world of engineer- conservation project G Gaby Logan (left) presents Charlotte with her award; below – Gaby with Yewande ing but after a day of challenging hands on to educate the local work and fault finding/ problem solving, I just Fijians about their surro unding marine life on velopment and sustainable regeneration of knew I would have a career in engineering,” the coral reefs, this being their primary Central St Giles, one of the first city centre said Charlotte. source of food. During this time Charlotte con- projects with a site-wide biomass heating sys- Upon completing her apprenticeship, ducted daily reef surveys utilising her scuba tem, extensive green roofs and recycling of Charlotte worked as a test technician for hel- qualifications. rainwater and grey water. Yewande also met production at Rochester. Within three Charlotte is the also lead vocalist for the starred in ’s Titanic: The Mission’ in months she was promoted to leading hand, band Charlie and the Stone Ages heroes and which a team of engineers reproduced a 30ft being the youngest ever to achieve this role at plays gigs at functions and pubs around the section of the steel bow to scale, and erected Rochester. local area. it at the Belfast dock from where Titanic was “I have worked on on some fantastic tech- launched. nology such as the Harrier Jump Jet Helmet Upon receiving her award, Yewande com- and am currently working within the Euro- Yewande is Young Woman mented, “Winning this has encouraged me to fighter Typhoon Helmet Production Team, Engineer of the Year work even harder to put all the effort I can into analys ing data for corrective improvements to Yewande Akinola, an environmental services spreading the message about how successful the product.” engineer with ARUP,won the overall title women in engineering are and can be. I’m After two years as a leading hand, Char- Young Woman Engineer of the Year .She won hoping this will help me tell an effective story lotte was selected from the entire pool of the award for her commitment to sustainabil- that will inspire young girls to consider a manual workers to harness test knowledge by ity and innovation regarding water supply career in engineering and will demonstrate electronically analysing test failure data and the diverse and fantastic opportunities this recommend corrective actions that contribute industry has to offer.” to product reliability and safety, this known as Real Time FRACAS (Failure Review and Cor- Jessica wins entrepreneurship rective Action System) at Rochester. During award this time she also I studied at the University of Kent where she ac hieved a Higher National Winner of the 2012 Intel Inspirational Award Certificate. for Entrepreneurship was 18 year old Jessica “On a daily basis I monitor the anomalies Leigh Jones, who is studying electrical and occurring during the manufacture of the Euro- electronic engineering at Cardiff University. fighter Typhoon Pilot Helmet, these anomalies Jessica is currently in the process of patent- could have a massive impact to production ing a form of fibre optic sensing technology but by capturing them at an early stage and setting up a limited company to market means I can suggest the improvements re- this product. In her free time she is an enthu- quired to eliminate and stop any reoccur- siastic STEM Ambassador and promoter of rence. I thoroughly enjoy my work, knowing women engineers. I’m a part of the production team working on technology, including water sanitation meth- *The WES prize is awarded to the runner-up to the most advanced fighter pilot helmet in the ods for developing and underdeveloped the Young Woman Engineer of the Year award. world is e xtremely rewarding.” countries. Her notable achievements include Charlotte said upon receiving her award: her contribution to the large brownfield rede- WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:27 Page 7

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Great growth in apprenticeships

APPRENTICESHIP]n engineering and STARTS advanc in engineering andmanufacturing\\\\ advanced manufacturing have increased by more than 85% in the past two years according to new figures released by SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engi- neering and Manufacturing Technologies). SEMTA chief executive Sarah Sillars said that to have 31,070 new starters in 2011/12 is en- couraging but there is no room for compla- cency. She fears there will be a lost generation and missed opportunities for UK business if the momentum is not maintained. “We shouldn’t rest on our laurels. Engineer- ing and manufacturing still has an image problem. The sector needs to recruit 82,000 people just to cover retirements up to 2016 so there is a real opportunity for young people. So much more needs to be done to attract them into engineering and advanced manu- facturing. We cannot stress enough how more work needs to be done to educate teachers, parents and even some employers.” Sarah continued, “Although these figures suggest the message may be getting through that apprenticeships are once again a real al- ternative to going to university, we also need to see more graduates coming into industry too.”

2013 WES Conferences THIS YEAR’S WES conference and AGM will be held on 4 October. The theme will be Harnessing the Energy. We will have a stream of technical pre- sentations and one session will be dedi- cated to a block of ten 8 minute Beth shows the way presentation by young female workers in the energy sector, in order to give them a taste of conference speaking, and get a BRITAIN’S recently crowned top Higher Ap- number of high level academic qualifica- variety of interesting angles. If any prentice has no regrets about entering the tions. I cannot praise apprenticeships younger members would like to be world of work rather than going to univer- enough and would strongly encourage oth- involved in this session, please contact sity. ers to take on the challenge.” Dawn at [email protected]. Similarly, any Beth Sherbourne, of Lostock, Bolton was Beth had originally intended to go to uni- more experienced energy sector employ- named the Higher Apprentice of the Year in versity but seeing many graduates in low- ees who would like to speak on subjects 2012. At just 22 she has become a senior paid, unskilled jobs, opted for a higher including nuclear, oil and gas, renew- procurement officer at MBDA missile sys- apprenticeship. “I would encourage any- ables, energy storage, energy from waste, tem’s plant in Bolton, having studied for her one to think about becoming an appren- energy efficiency, and future opportunities, degree (BA Hons in Business Management) tice,” she said. “I was able to earn while should contact Dawn to express their inter- during the four-year apprenticeship. learning and still achieve a degree but it est “The apprenticeship at MBDA has has given my career a head start.” Make sure your students or your company opened so many doors for me,” said Beth. don’t miss the 5th WES Student conference 15-16 “I have gained work experience; been chal- G Photo shows SEMTA chief executive November 2013, in association with Aston lenged personally resulting in a huge in- Sarah Sillars presenting Beth with her award. University. crease in my confidence; and gained a WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:27 Page 8

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Caroline’s executive role at Engineering Council THE ENGINEERING COUNCIL employer engagement in STEM has appointed Dr Caroline Sud- education. These inc luded routes worth in the newly created role of into, and progression through Education and Skills Senior Exec- university; working with employ- utive. She will play a valuable ers to develop flexible learning role in the Policy and Standards packages and courses; devising team, taking responsibility for the programmes of activity to en- HE, FE and Skills areas of the hance employability and profes- Engineering Council’s work, inc- sional development; and working luding academic accreditation. with professional bodies to She will be working closely ensure compliance with profes- with professional engineering sional standards. institutions and other relevant Prior to this Caroline worked stakeholders, focussing on as research director in the Med- understanding and developing ical Laser Institute, Lasers for Life the number of pathways and flex- and business development man- ible learning packages leading to ager for the Faculty of Science professional registration as Eng- and Engineering of Manchester ineering Technician (EngTech), Metropolitan University. She Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and holds a PhD in medical physics, Chartered Engineer (CEng). was a Post-Doctoral Research Caroline joins the Engineering Fellow in the Centre for Medical “I am looking forward to working ties on progression in STEM Council from the Cogent Sector Imaging Research at the Univer- as part of the Engineering Coun- careers as well as its recognition Skills Council where she was sity of Leeds and has lectured in cil team, to meet the challenges of the need for skilled and com- Higher Education Manager, resp- both the Universities of Leeds and faced by a changing skills and petent engineers in the future to onsible for a range of pro- Liverpool. education landscape and work- support business growth and in- grammes primarily related to Of her new role, Caroline says; ing to support Government priori- novation.”

authority. She plays an active role in the local branch of the Institution of Civil Engi- Woman Engineer – neers. As the IED’s Design Ambassador New Editor Wanted Eleanor will be promoting engineering design as a career choice, increasing IED membership and encouraging engineer- The Woman Engineer is seeking a ing professionals to pursue professional new Editor, initially on a 6 month registration such as CEng, IEng, EngTech, contract from 1 July 2013. RCADMan, and CEnv status. She has also been tasked with building The person appointed will have on the IED’s network of industry and edu- experience of writing, subbing cation liaison officers who provide support to members, and prospective members, at and layout. a local level. Knowledge of WES principles and David Maffin, IED Chairman, said: “The IED’s Design Ambassador has a key part activities is desirable but not to play in delivering our primary objectives essential. – to promote excellence in the industry, to support our members and to facilitate the The job involves acting as secre- advancement of engineering and product tary of the WES Editorial Board New IED Design Ambassador design.” and attending WES conference. Eleanor said: “Taking on the role of De- The Institution of Engineering Designers sign Ambassador is a fantastic opportunity This is a freelance position. has appointed Eleanor Fosberry MEng to instil in others my enthusiasm for des- Remuneration and other IEng MIED to the post of Design Ambassa- ign. I’m keen to encourage young people dor for 2012-2013. to consider engineering as a career op- contract terms are by negotiation. Eleanor graduated from the University tion, particularly young women in what is Please contact WES office, of Southampton in 2007 and since then still a male dominated profession. I also has worked for engineering consultancies think there is tremendous scope to pro- [email protected] if you are inter- in Ha mpshire. Her varied experience in- mote all branches of engineering and to ested. cludes highway and drainage design, demonstrate how the many different disci- flood risk, and transport planning, includ- plines of engineering can learn from one Deadline for applications is ing some time working on behalf of local another.” 8 April. WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:27 Page 9

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career is to spend time to discover the true breadth of op- Jobs on-line & archives portunities that this can lead to. Jobs are now being advertised found by logging into Expect that tech- on the WES website. Log on to: www.iet.org/resources/archives nology will con- wes.org.uk/job-listing/all to see the then clicking on research tinue to advance jobs on offer. resources and women in engi- so choosing neering. STEM subjects We have a vast amount of To see descriptions of the to study is the archived material held at the WES collection, simply type first step to gain- IET Savoy Place Archive in UK0108 NAEST 092 into the ing those essen- London. A list of what is avail- search field in library & tial skills so that able in the archive can be archives/archives. you can make an impact and said: “Our eight winners all made be part of that a significant difference to the suc- evolution.” cess and contribution of technol- 20122012 WISEWISE ! The WISE ogy, science, engineering and the Advisor Award – built environment – sectors that AwardsAwards Helen Heggie. are critical to the UK’s economic She set up her growth potential. We applaud own company, STEM First Ltd, their achievements. If we harness WISE (Women into Science, Engi- based in Blackburn, to promote the energy and passion of every- neering and Construction) held its science, technology, engineering one involved in the WISE awards prestigious annual awards for and mathematics to young peo- as nominees, nominators, spon- 2012 on Thursday 29 November. ple. STEM First Ltd provides in- sors, champions and role mod- These awards celebrate the spirational opportunities and els, we can and will make UK’s most inspiring organisations forges a link between schools significant progress towards a and individuals actively promot- and employers in order to in- vision that will benefit all stake- ing STEM to girls and young spire, excite, and grow the STEM holders in the UK – a tipping G women. Belinda Swain, chief engineer at knowledge and understanding of point of 30% of the UK STEM Rolls Royce, winner of the Lifetime Four women received Women young people. workforce being female.” Achievement Award. of Outstanding Achievement Awards: Tomorrow’s World pre- ! The WISE CEO Charter senter Maggie Philbin, molecular Champion Award – Nick Lang- neuroscientist Fiona Marshall don, CEO of Card Geotechnics and TV presenter and architect Ltd. This new category, spon- Angela Brady. Belinda Swain, a sored by EADS, champions lead- chief engineer at Rolls Royce, re- ers in business who have a ceived the prestigious Lifetime visible commitment to positive Achieveme nt Award. practices in gender equality from new enGIneeRInG Maggie Philbin said: “It’s so the very top. gratifying to witness moments oppoRtunItIes where young people are en- ! The WISE Diversity Award – Get ready for your biGGest challenGe thused by the possibilities of what Dr Gordon Mizner, CEO of EDT. Get ready to join a world class team they themselves can do. They The award was for the active suddenly understand how STEM work EDT is doing to address the Get ready for a Global company to invest in you skills give them real power. WISE mission – to encourage Get ready for london Gateway “And never underestimate the young people into STEM educa- tion and related careers. Each London Gateway is the UK’s first 21st Century major deep-sea container port and resonance of role models. It’s not Europe’s largest logistics park. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames near only teenage girls who can be year, over 20,000 young people Thurrock in Essex, London Gateway will provide unrivalled shipping access for the put off industries that seem to be take part in EDT’s activities. More world’s leading businesses to an integrated road, rail and sea network. male dominated. Having visible than half the students taking part We are now recruiting for a world-class engineering team to be part of a major and in their First Edition programme complex infrastructure project. We are 100% committed to the development of a role models at all levels of an o-rg strong team that will provide outstanding customer service, efficiently and reliability anisation and making sure effec- are girls and 40% are from ethnic in its operations. We are looking for ambitious, hardworking people to join a 30,000 tive mentoring programs are minority backgrounds. Dr Gordon strong global team. there to support, encourage and Mizner said: “This award recog- If you would like to find out more information about the roles available and to apply online please go to our website at www.dpworld.com/careers retain talent makes a difference.” nises the hard work and efforts The 2012 awards went to: made by all in EDT over many We are currently recruiting for: years to encourage more girls, • Electrical Technician • Automation and Optimisation Engineer ! The WISE Excellence Award ethnic minorities and a widening • Mechanical Technician • Crane Manager – researcher Jia-Yan Gu (shown • Stores Officer • Document Controller participation in general into • Engineer Maintenance Planner • Maintenance, Reliability and above). She said: “The advice I STEM study and careers.” • Engineering Team Leader Infrastructure Manager would give to any girl or young Congratulating the winners, COMMITMENT – INNOVATION – GROWTH – RESPONSIBILITY woman considering a STEM Trudy Norris-Grey, chair of WISE, Follow us on: Twitter: @LondonGatewayUK Facebook: London Gateway Jobs w www.londongateway.com WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:27 Page 10

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Outstanding Incorporated I Keep us Engineer rewarded informed of the latest news in your Every year the most outstanding area – email individual registered as an Incor- [email protected] porated Engineer (IEng) is to re- ceive a new award. This award is named after Baroness Platt of EMPLOYERS WHO cre- tify problems at an early stage, supporters at the junior match Writtle CBE FREng in recognition ate healthy workplaces and who introduce changes to which she had previously refer- of her work in support of the en- gineering profession and Incor- can reduce employee prevent ill health and promote eed. porated Engineers in particular. absence and boost productivity, well-being, will reduce sickness Lorraine said: “I have always It consists of a £1,000 prize, a according to a new TUC report. absence and increa se productiv- loved football and this is every- medal and certificate and will be Entitled, ‘ Work and Well-Being’, ity.” thing I have worked and aimed presented at a dinner in the City it aims to promote healthier Work and Well-Being is available at: for over the last 10 years. My of London in July 2013 by the Wor- working and help union safety www.tuc.org.uk/wellbeingguide ambition is to work in the Scottish shipful Company of Engineers. reps identify what within their Premier League and this is hope- Each professional engineering institution is being invited to workplaces are making staff ill. fully the next step.” nominate up to five individuals ENGINEER LORRAINE Alan Paul, senior manager of Every year around 170 million who were registered as IEng dur- working days are lost because CLARK has made foot- property services at Fife Council, ing 2012. people are too poorly to go into ball history by becoming said: “We are extremely proud of Nominees should have dis- work – 23 million of these are the first woman to officiate in a Lorraine’s achievements in foot- played outstanding commitment down to work-related ill health ball, especially as it is to the engineering profession, and 4 million as a result of inj- predominately a male have excellent written and oral uries suffered at work. The best sport. She has managed communication skills and have demonstrated the qualities way of tackling ill health is to to juggle the demands of required to manage teams of stop workers from getting ill in her job as an electrical engineers. the first place, says the guide. engineer in property Further details can be found at: Work and Well-Being says that services, working on sus- www.engineerscompany.org.uk. the best method for improving tainability projects for the general well-being of a work- schools and care homes, force is to change the way that while undertaking her work is organised and man- duties as a referee. We Financial year Loss in real terms aged. For example, reducing see her out running at workplace stress is far more lunchtimes and she’s an 2011/12 £80.60 useful than providing on-site inspiration to us all to do 2012/13 £183.56 massage for stressed workers. more.” 2013/14 £234.00 The report sugg ests a number Rangers won the 2014/15 £268.32 of ways that employers and match 4-2. 2015/16 £313.04 unions might try to encourage a Total loss £1079.52 healthier attitude amongst emp- loyees, including: FAMILIES WILL TUC General Secretary Des- ! Providing an on-site gym or lose over £1,000 ignate Frances O’Grady said: subsidised membership of a as a result of “The government’s decision to local fitness centre child benefit freeze and freeze child benefit has already ! Encouraging employees to cap. hit millions of families at a time cycle to work by providing a A TUC study – ‘Child when real wages and living stan- secure storage place for bikes. Benefit: a bad case of dards are falling. Many low- G Lorraine in action ! Offering healthy options in neglect?’ – shows that just by income households face even the canteen and encouraging match at Ibrox, the home ground preventing child benefit from ris- greater losses in the near future staff not to eat lunch at their of Glasgow Rangers. Lorraine ing in line with RPI (Retail Price as a result of George Osborne’s desks. from Thornton, has been a ref- Index) inflation families with two refusal to keep child benefit in ! Giving staff the chance to eree for 10 years and was an as- kids still in receipt of child benefit line with RPI. Cutting the value of access employee assistance sistant in the Rangers v Berwick will be £1,079 poorer by the end benefits for families means those programmes that can help them Rangers football match in Janu- of the financial year 2015/16. in greatest need will get less, cope wi th personal problems ary. In June 2010 George Osborne with the poorest children suffer- that could impact on their per- Lorraine, an electrical engi- announced that from April 2014 ing the most.” formance at work. neer with Fife Council, was re- the government would be using Commenting on the guide, cently promoted to the FIFA list of the lower CPI (Consumer Price Emily has leadership TUC General Secretary Frances referees. She is a regular official Index) when up-rating benefits. In O’Grady said:”‘Healthier at junior games and hopes even- addition families would also have potential lifestyles are something we tually for a role in the Scottish their child benefit frozen from WES member and former should all be aspiring to and, Premier League. 2011 for three years. Karen Burt Award winner given the amount of time we She was a line referee in front The TUC calculates that the Emily Spearman, was spend at work, the workplace is of almost 45,000 fans at the Ibrox real-term annual losses to fami- awarded ‘Highly Commended’ a good place to start. Sensible stadium – a very different propo- lies with two children will be as in the Sky and Management employers who are able to iden- sition from the usual crowd of 200 follows: Today Future Leaders Awards. WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:28 Page 11

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ing a serpent), the choir per- New Members’ news formed various hymns, car- members ols and secular songs. One Hilda’s 80th birthday highlight was a specially com- posed praise song for Hilda; this G Adrienne mentioning her many interests in On Saturday 2 February Kate Houston her life, including President of Ward & Betty McCarthy were G Brenda WES and was sung to the music privileged to join others from Mshiu of ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at’ which, Hilda Blount’s family, village, G Charlotte like Hilda, comes from . church and choir to which she is Tingley The choir also per- the secretary to cele- G Claire formed a hymn her brate her 80th birth- Borton father wrote for Re- day. G Ellen membrance Day We enjoyed an ex- Hilda Blount was WES Presi- Docherty during the 2nd dent 1988-1989 and during the cellent dinner before G Joanna World War based sharing her birthday 70th AGM Conference at The Sobon on the theme ‘Let us Swans Nest Hotel, Stratford upon cakes. G Kemi Lawal now praise famous We were royally Avon when the theme was ‘The men’. G Lauren entertained by Woman Engineer at Work’. Hilda It was lovely to be among good Miller Immanuel’s Ground West Gallery has a lot to answer for as it was company of all ages a nd cele- G Lisa Quire to which Hilda is the secre- at that conference Kate Ward brate the life of someone who is Morgan tary. Accompanying themselves and Jan Peters had G an example to us all. their first experience of WES. Magda old English instruments (includ- Konkiewicz G Obianuju British astronomer, and worked Odezugo Obituary: Maria in Oxford as postdoctoral re- G Preeya Petrou search assistant in the Depart- Lakhani ment of Theoretical Physics. G Rita Edoga WES member Maria Petrou has When government funding for died of cancer aged 59. Maria applied sciences increased in G Senami Zamba was a leading authority on digital the early 1980s, she moved image processing. The applica- towards research in robotic G Susan Scurlock tions of this are wide-ranging; vision and remote sensing, at from helping doctors to identify Reading University and then G Veronica incipient tumours to producing the Rutherford Appleton Labo- Williamson evidence of environmental degra- ratory before joining, in 1988, of CERTH in Thessaloniki; retain- dation. the Department of Electronic and ing a part-time post at Imperial. She was born in Thessaloniki, Electrical Engineering at Surrey She was best known for her Greece, where she took a degree University, where she became discovery of the ‘trace transfor- in physics. She then gained a professor of image analysis. mation’. This was a powerful PhD in astrophysics from Cam- She moved to Imperial College technique used to encode essen- bridge University. In 1981 she be- to become professor of signal tial information in an image, re- came a lecturer in astrophysics processing. She headed the gardless of scaling or rotations, at the Kapodistrian Universityf o communications and signal-pro- and it has had important practi- Athens. Then, in 1983, she moved cessing group until 2009, when cal benefits, such as the develop- to the UK with her husband, a she took a position at the Institute ment of face-recognition systems. She received numerous hon- ours, including a Royal Academy G 4 Apr BCSWomen Lovelace of Engineering fellowship . An Diary 2013 Colloquium for women undergraduate computing unfailing advocate for women in G 22 Mar The engineering students in Nottingham. Free engineering, she was active in I Keep us behind the large hadron lunch. Women in Science and Engineer- informed of collider, ; 18.30- [email protected] the latest 21.00. Contact Judith ing as well as WES. She also- news in your Higginson campaigned for human rights. G 4 Apr Ig Nobel Prizes. These area – email: [email protected] Her sense of fun was obvious are intended to celebrate the editor@ in her newsletters, illustrated with unusual, honour the wes.org.uk or G 27 Mar Jaguar Land Rover imaginative — and spur her own cartoons, and o n her write to: the Technical Visit, Liverpool; people's interest in science, website, where she challenged Women’s www.iet.org medicine and technology at colleagues to develop a robot for Engineering IET London, Savoy Place. ironing clothes to meet the exact- Society, G 4 Oct WES conference: ing standards of her great-aunt. c/o IET, Harnessing the Energy at the Michael Faraday I Please send IMechE, London. Obituary House, Six all diary items Hills Way, by the next G 15-16 Nov WES student Sadly Rosemary West who was Stevenage issue deadline: conference at the University of WES President from 1982-83 SG1 2AY 10 May 2013. Aston. has died. WE Spring 13:Layout 1 6/3/13 19:28 Page 12

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reflective economic incentives to shape future energy use. Professor Li’s work has led to the development of pricing meth- ods that promote efficient energy network development that will meet customer needs. As a result, 80 per cent of the Latest developments in green technologies UK’s distribution network opera- tors have adopted her method- nnWORKING AS part of an and performs at least as well as be applied to paper packaging. ology and the way the UK’s EU research consortium, the existing products. We expect Current packaging coatings electricity network is managed the Paint Research there to be a big demand for it are based on petrochemical de- has been fundamentally Association (PRA) has developed from day one.” rived waxes and polymers. How- changed. a food packaging coating prod- Food packaging coatings are ever, with increasing petroleum Professor Li said: “A key ele- uct, called PlantPack, which can used on paper wraps, cartons costs and recent instability and ment of any solution to decar- replace current packaging coat- and cardboard. Coatings provide volatility in some oil producing bonise our electricit y generation ings based on petrochemicals physical barriers which protect countries, the food-packaging will be micro generation, where considered ba d for the environ- food products in the packaging sector is searching for an alter- individual households use tech- ment. PlantPack is an eco- container during storage and native reliable and sustainable nologies such as solar panels, friendly food packaging coating transportation. package coating product. wind turbines, combined heat product made from seaweed ex- Although seaweed extracts and power methods and home tracts and starch. It can be ap- have previously been used to PROFESSOR FURONG energy storage to generate some plied to paper and cardboard as develop sustainable barrier mat- LI, from the University of of their own power from renew- a spray. erials for food and pharmaceuti- Bath’s Department of able sources, which they will Ian Claris, director of PRA cals products, they have never Electronic & Electrical Engineer- consume and store when the says: “PlantPack is a real break- been applied as a coating for ing, is one of 24 new Royal Soci- price is at its cheapest.” through for packing technology packaging products as they ety award holders. The Wolfson Merit five-year as it means that at last there is a haven’t been as flexible or strong. The award recognises Profes- award will allow Professor Li to cost effective, sustainable alter- To overcome these physical limi- sor Li’s research contribution focus on mapping out the current native to petroleum derived coat- tations, the scientists working on aimed at accelerating the UK’s energy network infrastructure ings. And because it’s a the project blended seaweed ex- move towards low-carbon living. across the UK, highlighting areas biodegradable product, it can be tracts with starch and starch de- Her work aims to reduce the cost that mo st lend themselves to composted and recycled easily. rivatives (which have good of integrating renewable energy micro generation and home So it’s better for the environment flexibility and strength) so it could systems, and the use of cost energy management.

women engineers and their inspiring inventions, a glimpse into the future of interactive, holographic technology p lus in- sight into innovative building so- lutions from around the world. www.inwes.org “The timing of Dr Peters’ visit Margaret Ajibode reports on the latest couldn’t have been better,” said developments Patricia Woodhouse, Head- mistress, MSJ. “Year 9 students The INWES Annual General Conference of Women Engi- are just about to choose their Meeting was held online from neers and Scientists (ICWES16) subject options for GCSE and 28-31 December. An annual in Los Angeles, as part of the many are undecided. This re- report of INWES activities and a SWE conference from 20-25 freshing look at the huge range financial report was sent to October 2014. This will be 50 of interesting and exciting car- members for approval. years since the first ICWES, eer opportunities within this Who’s shaping An Executive Board meeting which was also held in the USA. sector was inspiring. Dr Peters was held on 25 January via Preparation for a regional meet- our future? has certainly banished any re- skype, which was attended by ing in November were also cov- THAT WAS the question posed maining misconceptions asso- Kong-Joo Lee (President), ered plus plans to develop a by WES past President Jan Pe- ci ated with women pursuing a Monique Moutaud (President- new web portal. ters during a presentation given career in engineering.” elect), Sue Bird(Past president), Ev ents taking place this year at Malvern St James Girls’ Jan said, “I was delighted to Jung Sun Kim(Secretary Gen- are the Asia and Pacific Nation School (MSJ). be able to introduce the girls to eral), Joan Graf (Treasurer), Network Meeting (APNN) of Jan’s passion for informing so many inspiring women and Liette Vas seur(Vice President). INWES on 14 September in girls of the excitement of a open their eyes to the variety of Discussions included the Taiwan (hosted by TWiST and career in engineering captured subject areas within engineer- signing of the Memorandum of KWSE in conjunction with ICon- the imagination of an audience ing. Hopefully, I have helped Understanding (MOU) with the WIST) and an INWES Regional of Year 9 girls from her first some girls start to see them- Society of Women Engineers Meeting on 6-7 November in word. The presentation inc- selves as a mathematician or (SWE) to hold the International Nairobi, Kenya. luded mention of numerous an engineer.”